India Eyes 31 More Rafale-M Jets, Total Fleet Could Reach 145

• India is reportedly preparing to acquire an additional 31 Rafale Marine aircraft, potentially expanding its total Rafale fleet to 145 jets.
• This new acquisition would be in addition to the 114 Rafale jets proposed for the Indian Air Force.
• The Indian Navy could operate a total of 57 Rafale Marine jets if the new order is approved, surpassing France's naval variant fleet.
• These Rafale Marine aircraft are intended for operations from INS Vikrant and potentially INS Vikramaditya, with plans for a third aircraft carrier.
• A proposal to purchase 114 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force has already been approved, with 18 delivered in fly-away condition and the rest manufactured in India.